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  • Lagos to introduce bus corridors to boost transportation

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says efforts have been intensified to introduce quality bus corridor in the metropolis to tackle transport challenges.

    An Assistant Director of LAMATA, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the government was aware of the need for improved transport service, as a direct consequence of migration to the state.

    “In Lagos State, we have the issue of bus routing.

    “When you look at the number of buses we have, you will discover that they are not enough to service the population,” he said.

    Ojelabi said the state had a population of more than 20 million people.

    “The past government brought in about 880 buses in a bid to improve the transport system.

    “These buses are being redeployed by an agency of the government called the Lagos Bus Services Ltd., who is also in-charge of asset management,” he said.

    Ojelabi said road development is being taken gradually for effective management and spread.

    He said the government was, therefore, working on quality bus corridors, which would spread to more parts of the metropolis.

    Read Also: New bus scheme to disrupt Lagos transport landscape

    According to him, this will take effect before the end of the year.

    He noted that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services had not got to every part of the state; hence, the need for creation of the corridors.

    Ojelabi said where the BRT services were not available, the government would provide new medium-sized buses to service people’s transportation needs.

    He said: “These will come with bus terminuses and shelters to ensure easy access.”

    The LAMATA assistant director told NAN that the government had intensified efforts to speed up implementation of its Blue Line rail project from Okokomaiko to Marina.

    “There is a lot of work ongoing on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    “The essence is to fast-track the progress of work from the Lagos end here to at least Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

    “By the time this is completed, we will designate BRT buses there, while we will also carry out testing on the rail project.

    “We could have begun the testing, but we want to ensure that we take it up to Marina,” he said.

    Ojelabi said completion of the road and rail projects would discourage residents of the area from driving their cars to Lagos Island, as they would prefer using train or BRT.

    “Once this is done, it will also reduce cases of attacks by hoodlums on commuters, who will have the opportunity of riding in BRT or train.

    “It is a gradual process, but we will surely achieve these.

    “I can assure you that work has been intensified to realise this, as the government is working to ensure the completion of the project and beginning of operations before the end of this administration,” he added.

  • Two men in court over alleged house breaking, theft

    Two men in court over alleged house breaking, theft

    Two men, Emeka Okoro, 29, and Peter James, 25, were on Wednesday arraigned at an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged house breaking and stealing.

    The accused persons, of unknown address, were facing a two-count charge of house breaking and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Insp Bamikole Olasunkanmi, told the court that they committed the offences on June 4 in Ado-Ekiti.

    Olasunkanmi alleged that the accused broke into the house of one Apanisile Olanike.

    He also alleged that they stole a home theatre, washing machine, detergent soap, one female golden pulse, one palm slippers, one plasma television, and a toasting machine.

    “Other items stolen are champagne light, three curtains, one shoe and jewelries all valued at N1.7 million, belonging to the complainant,” he said.

    According to him, the offences contravened Sections 322 and 322 (b) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.

    The prosecutor asked the court for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

    Their Counsel, Mr Olawumi Olowolafe, urged the court to grant his clients bail, with a promise that they would not jump bail.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Michael Faola, granted bail to them in the sum of N100,000 with one surety each in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until July 20 for hearing.

    (NAN)

  • Police nab suspected killer of tricyclist

    The police in Lagos have arrested a motorist, Christian Innocent, for allegedly killing a commercial tricyclist over the right of way.

    The incident allegedly occurred in Surulere.

    Innocent, who lives at 28, James Robertson Street, Surulere, was alleged to have hit the victim, Aniete Bassey, with a wheel spanner twice on the head during an argument on Sunday night, at Akerele Street, Surulere.

    It was gathered that the duo disagreed on who had the right of way, a situation that degenerated to an argument.

    Angered, the suspect was said to have gone to his car, brought out the wheel spanner, used it to break the tricyclist’s head and fled.

    Read Also: Police nab 100 robbery suspects

    Eyewitnesses were said to have taken the victim to hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival, having lost much blood.

    Confirming his arrest yesterday, the police said he was nabbed by detectives on Monday, adding that the suspect admitted to have fought with the tricyclist.

    A statement by spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said: “The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) driver escaped to an unknown destination after the incident. After a thorough and painstaking examination of available traces, the suspect was identified as Christian Innocent, 39, of 28, James Robertson Street, Surulere and was arrested by detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Surulere, CSP Jimoh Jabaje, on August 12.

    “He confessed to have engaged the deceased in a fight over the right of way. He said there was an abuse between him and the tricyclist over who had the right of way, as they both accused one another of reckless driving.

    “He said there was no crash between the SUV and the tricycle. The suspect will be arraigned.”

  • Obaseki is my brother, ‘rift’ created by people for their own interest – Oshiomhole

    National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has blamed the Nigerian media for the alleged rift between himself and Gov. Godwin Obaseki, describing his successor as his brother.

    Oshiomhole spoke when he received Obaseki, who led members of his cabinet to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival with his former boss, at his Iyamoh residence in Estako West Local Government Government Area of Edo.

    Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting which lasted for about an hour, Oshiomhole said the meeting was not unusual as he was in constant touch with  Obaseki.

    According to Oshiomhole, “from time to time, we have always been meeting. It is not an unusual visit, the meeting afforded me the opportunity to meet with my brother and with people I have worked with.”

    Oshiomhole described the seeming rift as the unfortunate creation of people with personal interest and the media, whom he  said liked creating factions for their own gain.

    Read Also: No rift with Oshiomhole, says Obaseki

    On his part, Obaseki noted that the visit to his predecessor was not unusual, saying that he decided to celebrate Sallah with his former boss.

    He said the visit was to celebrate Edo leaders just as the former APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was celebrated by the state earlier in the day.

    “There is nothing unusual about this meeting; today is Sallah and we have just finished celebrating with the former APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City.

    “And we decided to come here to celebrate Sallah with my predecessor,” the governor said.

    He added that people who think there was a rift between him and his predecessor should stop thinking like that.

    ( NAN)

  • Robbery Cases: UI imposes partial curfew

    The University of Ibadan on Tuesday imposed a partial curfew on its campus following cases of robbery recorded in halls of residence.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the curfew imposition was contained in a release signed by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof.  Idowu Olayinka.

    The partial curfew, which takes effect from Wednesday, would last between 12 midnight and 5am.

    According to the release, the decision was taken at a meeting of the  university’s Security Committee which reviewed the current security situation at the institution.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Robbers attack UI New Hall hostel

    Olayinka stated that all students and members of staff must have means of identification when asked by security operatives.

    According to the Vice Chancellor, all male visitors to the three female hostels–Awolowo Hall, Queen Idia Hall and Queen Elizabeth II Hall –are to be received outside the halls while female guests will be screened.

    He added that any male visitor seen loitering around female halls beyond 8:30pm would be considered as a suspect.

    NAN reports that two female hostels had recently been the targets of attacks by armed robbers.

    (NAN)

  • Police rescue businessman from abductors

    The police have rescued a 61 –year- old man, who is a Nigerian Brewery Distributor Mr. John Akombo from the hands of kidnappers in Gboko Benue state.

    An eye witness Jimin Ayo told our correspondent that Joint Taskforce (JTF) comprising The Police and Army from A division, Area command in Gboko chased the kidnappers and rescued the businessman around Mbaamandev, Mkar- Ameladu road, Gboko.

    Speaking with The Nation, the rescued victim, Akombo said: “The well -armed abductors numbering four came in a tinted ash  color Honda Pilot Jeep, approached me in my office and forced me into their vehicle.

    “My son picked my car, followed us behind closely and alerted the police officers on patrol who trailed, opened fire on the abductors vehicle’s tyre.

    Read Also: Police rescue seven kidnap victims

    “They overpowered them around Mbaamandev Mkar – Ameladu road and I was rescued.”

    His wife, Mrs. Rebecca Akombo, who shed tears of joy, thanked God for the safe return of her husband from the hands of abductors.

    It was learnt the kidnappers escaped with bullets wounds around   Mkar hills.

    They also abandoned their bullet Honda pilot jeep.

  • 3 die in Lagos boat mishap, 2 missing

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority says three people have been confirmed dead while two others are still missing in a boat accident that occurred at Irewe community in Ojo, near Lagos late on Tuesday.

    The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, who made the disclosure in a statement, said that 13 people were rescued in the incident.

    “At about 6:10 p.m, Aug. 13, two passenger speed boats had a head-on collision along the creek in Ojo local Govt Area of Lagos State.

    “There were 10 passengers in a boat coming from Ojo jetty and eight passengers in another coming from Irewe community when the incident occurred.

    Read Also: Lagos boat mishap: All bodies recovered, handed over to relatives – LASWA

    “Eighteen passengers in total were involved with 13 rescued alive with three fatalities and two still missing–an adult and a child.

    “Search and rescue operation is ongoing by relevant state agencies and the local community who were the first responders.

    “Preliminary investigations by LASWA and LASEMA revealed that the incident was caused, due to reckless driving and over-speeding on the part of boat captains as one of them wasn’t in his right of way.”

    The LASWA boss said that further investigations would be carried out by the authority and that those found wanting would be sanctioned accordingly.

    He advised waterways users to always adhere to safety rules and regulations to avert untoward incidents. (NAN)

  • Cross River partners Zenith Bank to boost agricultural value chain policy

    The efforts of Governor Ben Ayade to industrialise Cross River State through its agricultural value chain policy got a major boost with the announcement of a partnership between the state government and Zenith Bank.

    This followed a visit by the management of the bank led by its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu to the various agricultural-processing factories located at the Ayade Industrial Park in Calabar.

    Speaking to newsmen after touring the factories, Onyeagwu said Ayade deserves commendation for his foresight, initiative and determination to create an economy for the state through industrialization.

    According to him: “The essence of all of these factories is what we have been talking about in this country.

    “What I have seen here are factories that are not just integrated but are also properly linked with the ecosystem.”

    He said beyond partnering with the state to deepen the agricultural value chain efforts of the government, his bank is willing to also provide advisory support services to the government.

    Read Also: Cross River to recover N700m debt from cocoa farmers

    “When the projects grow and get into incubation level, we could start looking at providing and supporting the government with advisory services to diversify and expand the ownership and move it to private sector that would manage it,” he said.

    On economic impact of the Ayade industrialisation policy, the Zenith bank boss expressed optimism the projects would create jobs, put food on the table and help raise the people’s standard of living.

    “It would help change the economic narrative of Cross River and Nigeria as a country. I think Governor Ayade deserves commendation,” Onyeagwu stated

    While expressing his joy at the collaboration between his state and the bank, Governor Ayade used the occasion to disclose he had signed a contractual deal with John Del of USA via Tata to supply the state with equipment for land clearing and soil preparation in furtherance of his Agro- Industrialisation drive.

  • Buhari greets Nasir Dantiye at 70

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday felicitated with historian and administrator, Dr Nasir Dantiye on his 70th birthday.

    In a statement by Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja, he saluted the courage, loyalty and dedication of the scholar in pursuing the collective vision of a better Nigeria.

    The President joined family, friends, professional colleagues and political associates in celebrating the milestone with Dantiye.

    He commended his dedication to research in the university and active participation in politics to translate brilliant ideas into reality that would improve the livelihood of many Nigerians.

    Read Also: Buhari to Nigerians: I’ll fight for the poor, underprivileged

    President Buhari affirmed that the scholar played a major role in instituting the progressive ideas that attracted the formation of the All Progressives Congress, starting with the Congress for Progressive Change.

    He also extolled Dantiye’s unusual virtue of identifying with the opposition party then, despite many uncertainties during elections.

    The President prayed that the almighty God would grant Dantiye, as he turns a septuagenarian, good health, strength and more wisdom to serve the nation.(NAN)

  • I’m working tirelessly to end Jukun, Tiv crisis – Gov. Ishaku

    Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku said on Tuesday that he was working tirelessly with his Benue counterpart Samuel Ortom to end the crisis between the Tiv and Jukun in the border area of the states.

    Media Aide to the Taraba governor, Mr Bala Abu, said this in a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following allegations by Tiv Youth Council (TYC) that the governor and Gen. Theophilus Danjuma were fuelling the crisis.

    NAN reports that the TYC had on Sunday at a news conference accused Gov. Ishaku and TY Danjuma of inciting Jukun militia to attack Tiv people in the state.

    The Tiv/Jukun crisis which erupted from Kente, a border town of Benue and Taraba had led to the loss of many lives including women and children in the last three months.

    The TYC President Mr Mike Msuaan, had during the conference called on security agencies to investigate the governor and the former Chief of Army Staff for their alleged roles in the crisis.

    According to him, the Tiv nation cannot continue to be cannon fodder for the unity of the country.

    Msuaan added: “These worrisome developments have further exacerbated the humanitarian challenge in the nation as we now have to grapple with an even burgeoning number of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

    “The recent rape, maiming and killing of helpless Tiv students and workers of the Federal University Wukari is indeed one too many, deserving thorough investigation by the security agencies and enduring solutions to entrench peace.

    “It is quite surprising that despite several attempts to extend the olive branch and make the warring parties embrace peace, the efforts have all fallen through midway with no tangible results,” Msuaan said.

    But Abu while refuting the allegation exonerated the governor and Gen. Danjuma (rtd) from the crisis.

    Read Also: Jukun-Tiv crisis: Workers, students relocate to Benue from Wukari

    He explained that Gov. Ishaku and Gov. Ortom had adopted various methods including meeting with stakeholders from both tribes to ensure peace returned in the area.

    “It is a grave allegation to say that someone in the status of Gov. Darius Ishaku and Gen. TY Danjuma will be sponsoring crisis.

    “The truth is that there is history to the crisis between the two ethnic groups (Jukun and Tiv).

    “I have visited the crisis area with the governor on five different occasions within two years that I have worked with him and our purpose of going there was to interface with the people living in that area.

    “The governor and his Benue counterpart met with stakeholders in that area and all these meetings were targeted at bringing about peaceful coexistence among the people living there.

    “So, what will the governor or Gen. Danjuma benefit from the killing of Tiv people and besides the killing is not one sided.

    “The two sides are killing each other, so why are Tiv youths accusing the governor for the crisis.

    “Apart from the meeting by the two governors, the deputy governors have also met about six times; all these meetings were about finding peace; so, why the allegation that someone is arming the other people.

    “I think the people making this allegation are the people who do not want the crisis to end otherwise both governors are doing so much to bring peace to the area.

    “This allegation is false and it cannot stand. It is intended to smear the governor and Gen. Danjuma.

    “There is no such thing involving these personalities and they are concerned about what is happening at the bother between the two states.

    “They have nothing to gain arming one side to fight the other; it is unfair for them to undermine all the peace efforts and blame the government,” he said.

    The governor’s media aide noted that the recent crisis was caused by fight between two men from Jukun and Tiv who were quarrelling over a female friend.

    He wondered why such issue should warrant killing of innocent people in spite all peace agreement reached by both parties.

    “The people most desire peace just like the governors have done; this is the only way to achieve peace.

    “On behalf of the governor, the warring parties should sheath their swords.

    “This was part of the governor’s Sallah message on Sunday. He appealed to the people in the name of God to sheath their swords and embrace peace; these were the governor’s message, I am only reechoing it.” (NAN)